I have a 16' tandem axle trailer. The front of the trailer sits higher than the back and it helps me load the mowers on since they gate isn't as steep. I am trying to put more weight on the front axle though. I know I could use a drop hitch. I was wondering what would happen if I put larger tires on the front axle. Right now all 4 tires are 205/75/R15. If I put a 215/75/R15 on the front axle it is about .5" bigger tire thus .25" on the radius. I would think this would help to take some of the weight off the back axle and tires while keeping the trailer tilted slightly for ease of loading mowers. Has anyone done this before or what do you think of the idea?

TLS

06-06-2006, 11:22 AM

This wouldn't be a good idea.

Level your trailer with the proper reciever drop hitch.

Then if you find your deck scraping, either make the gate longer, or attach a 2x4 across the bottom of your ramp. It will raise the ramp and lessen the angle.

Scag48

06-06-2006, 01:04 PM

That trailer would tow like hell, not a good plan.

FearThisDeere

06-06-2006, 02:42 PM

Go with the drop hitch. There is no other logical choice or anything easier.

grass_cuttin_fool

06-06-2006, 08:58 PM

There is an equalizer between the two axles the rear of the front spring and the front od the rear spring fit into it and it lets the axles float or contour to the ground so the deck of the trailer stays resonably level. you prob wouldnt see any or little difference with different size tires

wayne

tthomass

06-06-2006, 10:29 PM

just incase this is be'n read wrong.......the tire would be 1/2" WIDER.........NOT taller

1st number = width, 2nd = thickness, 3rd = size rim........

Jason Rose

06-06-2006, 11:07 PM

I understand where you are going with this, and tthomass is correct to a point. there IS some variation in sidewall height when you change from a 205 to a 215. Roll a 205/75/15 next to a 235/75/15 and you will see what i mean. Tire sizes are really really confusing, as the numbers don't mean what they really mean...

My 20' tandem trailer I have the same trouble with, I have to keep the front of the trailer a bit higher to keep my gate angle down. Basically it just wears more on the front tires that way. Since they have they least ground presure (not by a large margin, but still less than the rears) the fronts are the tires that slide on the pavement more when turning. Simple fix, rotate the tires front to back once in a while or when you notice them wearing more on the fronts than the backs.

My ramp even has a 6" extension (or is it 8"?) on the end of it and the walker still will catch on it when I have more than 3/4 load on the truck.

tthomass

06-06-2006, 11:41 PM

we rolled 205/50-15 and 215/50-15 both mount on rims next to each other on my buddies hatch.........same

stevesmowing

06-09-2006, 09:24 AM

i'll just go with the drop. Tire sizes are as follows. 205/75/R15. 205 is the width in mm. 75 is the aspect ratio of the side wall height. so 205x.75 is the height for one side wall in mm (If you want it in inches divide by 25.4). Multiple by 2 since there are 2 (top and bottom) and then add the wheel diameter.

oldrustycars

06-09-2006, 10:18 AM

keep all the same size tires. for loading, do what race car trailers use...an electric tongue jack. just put a timber under it, and crank the front of the trailer up. you can even leave the tow vehicle attached, and in fact, you should.